Hawkeyes Make a Difference

Since 1882, The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has focused on meeting the needs of our patients. Clinical care frames and undergirds our approach to dental education and our commitment to translating oral science research and discovery into reality for our patients.   

As the only dental school in the State of Iowa and a nationally leading program in terms of clinical experience, the college plays a vital role in meeting the oral health needs of Iowans.

160,000

Patient visits each year.

98 of 99

Iowa counties have our dental graduates practicing there.

14.2

of every 100,000 Iowans will develop oral cancer.

The State of Iowa has the highest rate of oral cancer in the country at 14.2 per 100,000 people.

  • Excellence in patient care makes a difference for each patient seen.

  • Excellence in health care education makes a difference in each patient seen by future dentists and specialists.

  • Excellence in research and discovery revolutionizes and transforms oral health care for millions.

Together, Hawkeyes advance research and discovery

Hongli Sun conducting research

Iowa Dentistry continues to rapidly expand its research and discovery, exceling in regenerative biomedicine, genetic research, and biomaterials, alongside an innovative oral cancer program. This expansive research and discovery mission is establishing Iowa as a global leader in oral science research, which benefits everyday Iowans.

2nd

in the Big 10 for research dollars received

In 2022, Iowa received $5.4 million in research funding from The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). These funds account for about half of Iowa Dentistry's external research support.

$9,471,347

in external research funding received.

Since 2020, Iowa Dentistry's seed grants have resulted in almost $10 million in external research funding. These funds are excellent tools to recruit and retain high-caliber, early career faculty.

Together, Hawkeyes educate the next generation.

White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2027 and the Advanced Standing Class of 2025

As a national leader in the amount and quality of student clinical experiences, our students receive an unparalleled dental education over the course of their four years. These patient experiences and our comprehensive educational programs ensure that Iowa’s dental workforce meets the current and future needs of the state.

1,135

students applied to our DDS program in 2023

This record-breaking number shows that Iowa remains a destination DDS program for students from all over the country.

10 of 12

recognized advanced training programs available

The American Dental Association recognizes 12 dental advanced specialties. With 10 advanced training programs and two other innovative programs, our students receive the highest quality dental education.

Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology

Together, Hawkeyes transform clinical technology

New technologies are transforming the practice of dentistry. Whether it’s computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to design and 3D-printed restorations, dentures or implants; intraoral digital scanners for fast and accurate images; or high-resolution monitors for simulation clinics, Iowa is committed to helping our students thrive as they learn to use and apply these transformative technologies.

8

In-house 3D printers

Iowa Dentistry has 8 in-house 3D printers that have enabled the college to fabricate a wide variety of dental materials, ranging from dentures to invisible aligners.

80

Simulation Operatories

The Sim Clinic, Iowa Dentistry's hands-on skills clinic, has 80 operatories that are intended to help first- and second-year dental students practice in a realistic, simulated environment.

A Global Leader

Mary Young with her mentor Azeez Butali

Spearheading an International Network of Cleft Lip and Palate Research for African Populations

Thursday, January 18, 2024
Azeez Butali is a global leader in cleft lip and palate research and the world’s foremost expert in the genetics of these conditions in African populations. As part of his research mission, he has also spearheaded the formation of a diverse, international network of researchers in Africa and the US to develop, refine, and apply their findings for the benefit of African populations and their genetic descendants. 

Making a Difference in Iowa

Karin Weber-Gasparoni high-fiving a patient in the WIC clinic

Preventive Oral Health Care for Toddlers and Infants

Thursday, January 18, 2024
Karin Weber-Gasparoni is passionate about supporting new caregivers and improving oral health for underserved populations. Her collaborative clinical research initiatives are transforming oral health care for toddlers and infants in Iowa, and are laying the foundation for changing how oral health care is provided for the youngest of us.

A Destination Dental School That Makes a Difference for Iowans

Sara Stuefen poses for a photo in the Dental Science Building

Sara Stuefen's voice for change

Friday, May 24, 2024
Sara Stuefen ('10 DDS) will become the District 10 Trustee for the American Dental Association in October. It's an important opportunity for Stuefen to bring a new perspective and energy to the national organization.
Students volunteered at His Hands Dental Clinic in Cedar Rapids. This is a picture of students posing in front of the clinic's sign.

60 UI Dental students volunteer at His Hands Dental Clinic

Thursday, May 23, 2024
For the second consecutive year, a partnership between the UI College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics and His Hands Dental Clinic in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has resulted in robust clinical outreach experience for first- second- and third-year dental students.
Howard Cowen receives the Culturally Responsive Health Care Award

GSN Program selected as Culturally Responsive Health Care award winner

Thursday, May 23, 2024
The Geriatric and Special Needs Program was selected as a recipient of the 2024 University of Iowa Health Care Culturally Responsive Health Care award, which recognized health care professionals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in addressing health disparities.
The Department of Prosthodontics poses for a photo after the student award luncheon on May 14, 2024

Prosthodontics holds student award luncheon

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
The UI College of Dentistry's Department of Prosthodontics hosted a luncheon on May 14 to recognize student accomplishments over the past academic year. Nine students were presented awards.
Hongli Sun

Iowa dental researchers receive exploratory grant to treat periodontitis-associated bone-loss

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
The National Institutes of Health awarded three Iowa dental researchers, Hongli Sun, Shaoping Zhang, and Erliang Zeng, a $660,000 exploratory grant to investigate an innovative strategy for treating bone loss that tends to accompany periodontitis. This strategy uses tissue engineering strategies that can reduce bone loss and regenerate bone tissue.
A fall morning at the Dental Science Building

Operative Dentistry holds annual Spring Awards Banquet

Monday, May 20, 2024
The Department of Operative Dentistry held their annual Spring Banquet on Thursday, May 16 at Wilson's Ciderhouse in Iowa City. Nine students were presented awards ranging from excellence in operative dentistry to recognition for research efforts.
Drs. Feitosa, Abuhammoud, Roushdy, Gimer composite

4 faculty members named Teachers of the Year

Monday, May 20, 2024
The UI College of Dentistry honored four faculty members - Drs. Victor Feitosa, Salah Abuhammoud, Sally Roushdy, and David Gimer - as Teachers of the Year at IASDA's annual Talent Show on May 17.
2024 IDA picture with ADA President Dr. Edgar

UI alum Bogue installed at 161st IDA President

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Chris Bogue, a 2002 graduate of the UI College of Dentistry, was installed as the 161st Iowa Dental Association President on May 3 during IDEAS24.
PF/ACD/ICD 2024 student award winners

5 students awarded at Pierre Fauchard, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists luncheon

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Five students were honored at the Pierre Fauchard, American College of Dentists, and International College of Dentists joint luncheon during the Iowa Dental Association meeting on May 3, 2024.